Practical Experience with Efalizumab in Hand and Foot Psoriasis
December 2007 | Volume 6 | Issue 12 | 1224 | Copyright © December 2007
David J. Cohen MD, Lubomira Scherschun MD
Abstract
Psoriasis of the hands and feet is highly debilitating and difficult to treat. It may be of a plaque-or pustular-type, or a combination
of the two. Efalizumab (Raptiva®, Genentech Inc), a humanized monoclonal antibody that inhibits critical T cellmediated
processes, is approved by the FDA for the treatment of adult patients with chronic moderate to severe plaque
psoriasis. We present the cases of 7 patients who suffered from extensive hand and foot psoriasis recalcitrant to treatment.
Each patient was treated with 1 mg/kg/wk of efalizumab and responded rapidly to treatment with favorable results appearing
within 1 to 4 months. Patients were able to resume previous work responsibilities and no longer suffered from difficulties
with ambulation. Efalizumab was effective for the rapid treatment of these 7 patients with psoriasis of the hands and feet. 
